Start by working out how much space you really need for fresh and frozen food, then compare kWh/year between appliances with similar formats and capacities. A fridge freezer is ideal if you regularly store both fresh and frozen food, while a fridge with a freezer compartment or a small freezer section avoids adding unnecessary freezing capacity; a separate freezer is best reserved for substantial storage needs.
You want to reduce the energy consumption of an appliance that runs 24 hours a day, without sacrificing the usable capacity you need for your usual shopping. ADEME points out that refrigeration appliances operate continuously.
You live alone or as a couple, or in a home where width, depth and the capacity you actually need matter more than a large family-sized model. Que Choisir provides recommended capacities that can be adjusted to your shopping habits.
You need to decide whether a fridge freezer is enough or whether your regular storage needs justify a separate freezer. Que Choisir distinguishes between upright freezers, which are more compact, and chest freezers, which prioritise capacity.
Choose a format and capacity that suit the way you use your appliance first, then compare energy data and installation requirements between similar models.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Usable capacity | Compare the fridge and freezer capacities separately, in litres. Que Choisir gives 100 to 150 L as a guide for one person, followed by around 50 L per additional person, adjusted to your shopping and eating habits. | I want enough room for my usual shopping without maintaining a large capacity that is rarely used. |
| Comparable energy consumption | Check the kWh/year, energy rating and storage capacities. The European Commission states that the energy label displays annual consumption and capacities; compare models with similar formats and capacities. | I want to replace an old appliance without making a snap decision based solely on the energy rating letter. |
| Amount of frozen food | Check the freezer capacity and number of drawers, as well as the footprint and annual consumption if you are considering a separate freezer. A chest freezer prioritises capacity, while an upright model is easier to organise day to day. | My frozen food needs to fit in a suitably sized compartment; a second appliance is only worth the space if I regularly store large quantities. |
| Collection of your old appliance | Confirm the collection arrangements before delivery. If this option is not suitable, find a collection point or recycling centre for your old appliance. | I want my old fridge to be sent through a suitable collection and decontamination process. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition lists collection points and recycling centres among the possible solutions. |
Two appliances with different formats and capacities will not meet the same storage needs. According to the European Commission, the energy label also shows kWh/year and separate capacities.
Compare kWh/year, fridge capacity and freezer capacity between similar appliances before focusing on the rating.
The fridge and freezer run continuously. ADEME warns that having more equipment than you need, including a permanent ice-making function, can increase energy consumption.
Work out how much space you need for fresh and frozen food, then choose an appliance that meets those needs with a realistic amount of spare capacity.
Excess capacity and certain additional features can increase your electricity consumption.
A small compartment may not be enough for large frozen-food shops, while a separate freezer adds another appliance that runs continuously.
Base your choice on the actual quantity and frequency of your frozen-food purchases; only consider a separate freezer if you need this storage regularly.
A used refrigeration appliance must be handled through a suitable collection and decontamination process.
Ask about collection arrangements when you buy, or plan to take the appliance to a collection point, recycling centre or reuse organisation.
Bosch offers fridge freezers, larder fridges and freezers, making it possible to compare several formats within its range.
Beko offers fridge freezers in a range of capacities, with features such as fan-assisted cooling and fresh-food compartments depending on the model.
Samsung offers fan-assisted fridge freezers in a range of capacities, with connected models available depending on the product.
These Joybuy options are fridge freezers designed for everyday use with fresh and frozen food. Compare their separate capacities, dimensions and annual consumption where this information is provided.
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Suitable for mixed use, with separate capacities for fresh and frozen food.
183 L fridge capacity, 113 L freezer capacity and a 37 L fresh-food zone; stated annual consumption of 169 kWh/year.
Check the dimensions of 597 × 1 860 × 674 mm, the 110° door opening and the installation clearance of at least 5 cm.
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This model is aimed at households needing plenty of space for fresh and frozen food.
276 L fridge capacity, 114 L freezer capacity and stated annual consumption of 264 kWh/year.
Before installation, check the height of 203 cm, ventilation requirements and access to the room.
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Its 60 cm width and reversible doors may suit a kitchen with limited space or a challenging layout.
211 L fridge capacity and 99 L freezer capacity, with electronic controls and a fast-freezing function.
Check the kWh/year on the energy label before comparing its consumption with that of other fridge freezers.
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This fridge freezer has separate compartments for households storing both fresh and frozen food.
252 L fridge capacity, 103 L freezer capacity, 60 cm width and reversible doors.
Check that the total capacity suits your habits and consult the full label to compare kWh/year.
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This compact option may suit a small household with modest fresh and frozen food needs.
115 L fridge capacity, 59 L 4-star freezer capacity, dimensions of 50 × 55 × 150 cm and a reversible door.
The 59 L freezer capacity should be checked against the amount of frozen food you usually store; also consult the kWh/year on the label.
Compare the energy rating, kWh/year, fridge capacity in litres, freezer capacity in litres and noise level. The European Commission recommends focusing particularly on kWh/year between appliances with similar formats and capacities.
Que Choisir suggests 100 to 150 L as a guide for one person, followed by around 50 L per additional person. Increase or reduce this capacity if you do large shops less frequently, batch-cook or keep lots of fresh food.
Size and having more features than you need can increase consumption, but you should compare kWh/year and capacities between similar appliances. ADEME reminds us that fridges and freezers operate continuously.
You can take it to a collection point, recycling centre or social and solidarity economy organisation. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition states that this equipment must go through a suitable collection and treatment process.